2012 was another successful year for the Leeds Children’s’ Charity. Most importantly, 434 disadvantaged children enjoyed a break by the sea at the Leeds Children’s Holiday Centre, Silverdale – children who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to have a break from difficult home situations.

Catch me if you can

The trustees could not do their work without the wonderful support given to the charity by many amazing sponsors and benefactors. These include Northern Rail who sponsor train tickets for the children and their escorts; Richardsons Solicitors who have raised money and also provided invaluable advice and support; Aviva Leeds who have taken the charity to their hearts and have organised a whole variety of fundraising activities, sponsored bicycle ride, runners in the Leeds 10k, cake bakes, and more; DWF LLP who have raised money through dress down days, raffles, book sales, marathon running, and collected much-needed resources; Leeds University students who have done an amazing job of organising activity weekends and weeks for the children, raised money through auctions, raffles, music nights, and a Christmas Fayre in the City; and many more extremely generous benefactors too numerous to mention – corporates of all sizes, groups and organisations, and remarkable individuals who donate money, time, and/or resources to help underprivileged children in Leeds. 2013 has already started with a bang. Lowell Group have nominated the Leeds Children’s Charity as their Charity of the Year and have already organised a full programme of fundraising events. Support such as this will enable the charity to provide 480 disadvantaged children with a much-needed holiday by the sea during the summer of 2013.We are enormously grateful to everyone for their ongoing support and I apologise that there is not space enough in this blog to name all our incredible benefactors. However, sponsors and supporters are always given a mention on our website, blog, social media sites, or newsletter whenever the charity benefits from their munificence. We feel that it is our duty to broadcast that there are extremely generous people who are supporting children in dire need.

If you would like to help the Leeds Children’s Charity in any way, please contact info@leedschildrenscharity.org.uk, or telephone 01132454281. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Expertise and knowledge have been offered to the trustees to assist with the review and updating of the charity’s Constitution and Rules. This exercise will be of benefit to current and future trustees in the management of the charity and will ensure that the governing document is fit for purpose for many years to come.

Collections of Christmas Gifts and food for families in need will be taking place during November and December to help disadvantaged families and children to enjoy some festive cheer. Items will also be taken to Leeds Children’s Holiday Centre to be enjoyed by many hundreds of children who will be provided with a short break during the 2013 holiday season.

Fundraising activities being considered are a York to Leeds walk between the offices of Richardsons & Co Solicitors LLP, runners and joggers to join the charity’s 2013 Leeds 10k team, and much more.

The trustees are extremely grateful to all the staff at Richardsons & Co Solicitors LLP for their help and support.

The charity team were joined and supported by Jack Downham (who plays Noah Tate in Emmerdale). Jack wanted to join the runners but was unable to do so because of his age. However, Jack had taken the time to find out about the work of the charity and he was moved to write the following statement: “I feel very honoured to be supporting the Leeds Children’s Charity. I am supporting the Leeds Children’s charity because of their great work to help children who are, for whatever reason, unable to have a holiday. These children don’t just want holidays, they need them because of everything piled on their shoulders. Some of the stories that I have read about the children who have benefited from the work of the charity are heart breaking. I am very pleased to support the charity and I hope my involvement will help raise awareness and assist the charity in the vital work it does.”

Thank you to everyone for making this event so enjoyable and successful. The money raised will be used to provide much needed respite for many disadvantaged children of Leeds, and we are extremely grateful for this fantastic support. Nearly 450 children will enjoy a holiday at the Leeds Children’s Holiday Centre this summer where they are free to play, have fun, make friends, and be a child.

If you would like to help the Leeds Children’s Charity, please contact by telephone – 01132454281, or email – info@leedschildrenscharity.org.uk. Thank you for all your help.

Following a year of very generous and enthusiastic support by Irwin Mitchell LLP, Leeds Children’s Charity were presented with a cheque in the sum of £8,405 at the Firm’s New Year celebrations held at Create, King Street, Leeds, yesterday evening.

The trustees have worked closely with the staff at Irwin Mitchell to raise resources and money in aid of the charity. Donations of Easter Eggs, clothes, shoes, books, toiletries and washing powder have been taken to Leeds Children’s Holiday Centre throughout the year to be used and consumed by the many hundreds of disadvantaged children who enjoy a stay there.

However, this arrangement was never just about money. We have enjoyed friendship and fun whilst working together for a common cause. All the staff have willingly and enthusiastically participated in the many fundraising events that took place throughout the year, eg. Morley Fun Day, Leeds 10k run, and the Brightening Children’s Lives Summer Ball.

Thank you Irwin Mitchell for a fantastic year of support for a very worthwhile charity.

The morning was very wet and all those taking part bravely faced the elements as they lined up to start the run. However, undaunted and determined to complete the route, everyone got round the route in an amazing time and our congratulations go to all those who took part to raise money for the charity.

To date, £5615 has been raised for the purpose of the charity and this money will be used to provide free residential short breaks/respite for 28 disadvantaged children aged 7 to 11 years.

Verlie McCann, Chairman of the charity, said that all the trustees were extremely grateful for the time and effort that the runners had given to take part in the Leeds 10k, especially in such poor weather conditions”.

Thank you to everyone who took part and for helping even more children to have a holiday by the sea.